A/N: Australia is always one of my fave races of the year. I started writing this chapter in the beginning of the weekend and I did not expect the GP to go the way it did. Man, I was pissed off at 5 AM. Anyway, after, the past GPs turmoil, I feel it's time to switch POV for this one ;) Enjoy!
Flying in early is always on the cards for Charles when it comes to the Australian Grand Prix. The atmosphere, the fans, the weather, the location... there's nothing the Monegasque doesn't like about the race down under. He decides to fly in on Monday morning, taking Andrea and Joris with him. The idea's to go surfing, to go karting, and most of all, to enjoy the sun. And that's what Charles does.
Laying on the beach, eyes hidden by sunglasses and a drink in hand, the Ferrari driver enjoys the sound of waves crashing against the shore. Charles hasn't had the chance yet to fully relax this season. He needs the Italian squad to catch up with the Red Bulls, and to have them succeed, he has to work on himself. The past winter has been the most intense one yet. Charles didn't rest. Instead, he went over every single piece of possible data, trained as much as possible, and had occasional talks with therapists to get mentally ready as well.
So far, Charles is content with the season. Testing went well, and a podium in Jeddah has lifted his spirits a little bit. He isn't happy, though. Bahrain was a disaster. Issues during the first race are far from ideal, especially if they lead to a podium for his teammate. Charles loves Carlos. The Spaniard is a good friend. They've got a good bond, and the Monegasque will truly miss him next year, but on track, they're anything but friendly.
Charles needs to finish on top in the standings. If only to send a statement to Lewis, who's coming in the following season. And, of course, to show Max that he's still his main rival.
It's always been Max and Charles. Ever since karting, it's Verstappen versus Leclerc. And Charles would like it to stay that way. A smile graces the brunet's lips as he remembers Max coming to him after qualifying in Saudi Arabia. The Dutchman wanted to tell him something but changed his mind at the last minute. Charles can't stop thinking about it. What did Max want to tell him?
Unconciously, he reaches for his phone, lying next to him on the beach towel. Taking off his sunglasses, Charles squints at the screen. No new messages. The past week, they have texted a few times, but ever since he's arrived in Australia, it has been radio silence. A pang of something, the Monegasque rather does not delve into forms in his stomach as he puts his phone away.
Before he can overthink any of it, Joris drops next to him on the towel, splashing water everywhere. "Mate!"
"Come into the water, Charles!" Joris exclaims, tugging at his best friend. "It's so good! And it'll wipe that pout off your face."
"What pout?" Charles demands incrudelously. He isn't pouting, right?
"The one that's been on your face ever since we've been here," Joris counters, rubbing Charles's head. "I don't know what's up with you, but if it's Ferrari, ignore it. We've only got one day to do what we want."
Knowing his friend's right, Charles pushes himself up, grabbing the surfboard next to him. "Alright, mate. Just no photos."
Pictures of Charles falling face-first into the sea appeared online later that night, causing a certain Dutchman to grin from ear to ear.
Worst Padel Player Ever: I wish I could've witnessed that.
Charles: It happened once! I can actually surf, you know. :(
Worst Padel Player Ever: I don't believe it until I see it.
Charles: Are you asking me out on a surf date?
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If Clarity's in Death, Then Why Won't This Die?
Roman d'amour"Max doesn't know what to say. His eyes draw over every inch of Charles's face. His green eyes with brown specks, the sweat dripping down his face, his lips curled in a small smile... "If only you saw yourself the way all of us do. The way I do." Ma...
